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Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant
Casper and Jasper are fast-talking, twelve-year-old twins who discover that their parents, long believed dead, are in fact rebels being held by the evil Count Wilhelm Scream. When the boys set out to rescue their parents, they stumble into a land of werewolves, trolls, and carnivorous marshmallows. Will the twins’ loyalty and quick wits be enough to save their parents – and themselves?
346 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
9 books89 followersTilia Klebenov Jacobs holds a BA from Oberlin College, where she double-majored in Religion and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Following an interregnum as an outdoor educator with the Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia, she earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Secondary School Teaching Certification from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Despite lacking the ability to breathe fire except in the strictly metaphorical sense, Tilia has taught middle school, high school, and college. She has also won numerous awards for her fiction and nonfiction writing. She is a judge in the Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, and she teaches writing in two prisons in Massachusetts. Tilia lives near Boston with her husband, two children, and two standard poodles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 21, 2018
First of all I was a tad bit disappointed this book was not about Casper, the friendly ghost. Teach me to pay closer attention.
Our story begins with a band of rebels meeting to overthrow an evil dictator. They are captured and their twin sons are rescued by a childless couple.
Lots of cute and funny parts with some evil interspersed. Although it seems to be geared towards a market for 10 year olds, its a bit too long to hold their interest. It had trouble holding on to my interest sometimes and I’m a grownup...most of the time.
Our story begins with a band of rebels meeting to overthrow an evil dictator. They are captured and their twin sons are rescued by a childless couple.
Lots of cute and funny parts with some evil interspersed. Although it seems to be geared towards a market for 10 year olds, its a bit too long to hold their interest. It had trouble holding on to my interest sometimes and I’m a grownup...most of the time.
June 9, 2018
Casper and Jasper, twelve-year old twins, constantly bicker and always find themselves in trouble. Don't be fooled because they also love their parents and help each other. Parents might like to know that these two brothers compare to the Laurel and Hardy comedies of the 1920's to 1950's. Younger people probably won't know about Laurel and Hardy, but when parents hear laughter as their children read this book, they'll know that similar comedy is taking place. The boys get their positive outlook on life from their parents. While this book has serious situations and a dangerous plot, Casper and Jasper, give just enough comic relief to lesson the negative effect of a dystopian. They aren't the only protagonists, but they certainly add to the enjoyment of this book.
Everything from characters, animals, creatures, to locations, is filled with distinct personality. Even though there were many people, the author did a fantastic job of keeping the characters separate and identifiable. The land comes alive with carnivorous marshmellows and magical creatures that play a huge part in forwarding the plot. "Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant" by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs has all the elements to be a fairytale, even a princess. There is an evil dictator, some trolls, and normal human beings that make up this fantasy.
Ms. Jacobs didn't go into great detail, but I will caution that there were many references to violence. Some violent implications could have been left out without hurting the story. Because of this I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of fifteen. Overall it was a good story with a distinct "good versus evil" message. It encourages bravery, courage, friendship, love, perseverance, and doing your best to get out of a bad situation.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Linden Tree Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Personal Rating: 3.71 Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Title: Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant
Author: Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
Publisher: Linden Tree Press
Publshed: June 1, 2018
About This Book
Casper and Jasper are fast-talking, twelve-year-old twins who discover that their parents, long believed dead, are in fact rebels being held by the evil Count Wilhelm Scream. When the boys set out to rescue their parents, they stumble into a land of werewolves, trolls, and carnivorous marshmallows. Will the twins’ loyalty and quick wits be enough to save their parents – and themselves?
Everything from characters, animals, creatures, to locations, is filled with distinct personality. Even though there were many people, the author did a fantastic job of keeping the characters separate and identifiable. The land comes alive with carnivorous marshmellows and magical creatures that play a huge part in forwarding the plot. "Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant" by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs has all the elements to be a fairytale, even a princess. There is an evil dictator, some trolls, and normal human beings that make up this fantasy.
Ms. Jacobs didn't go into great detail, but I will caution that there were many references to violence. Some violent implications could have been left out without hurting the story. Because of this I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of fifteen. Overall it was a good story with a distinct "good versus evil" message. It encourages bravery, courage, friendship, love, perseverance, and doing your best to get out of a bad situation.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Linden Tree Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Personal Rating: 3.71 Star Rating: 4/5 stars
Title: Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant
Author: Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
Publisher: Linden Tree Press
Publshed: June 1, 2018
About This Book
Casper and Jasper are fast-talking, twelve-year-old twins who discover that their parents, long believed dead, are in fact rebels being held by the evil Count Wilhelm Scream. When the boys set out to rescue their parents, they stumble into a land of werewolves, trolls, and carnivorous marshmallows. Will the twins’ loyalty and quick wits be enough to save their parents – and themselves?
May 15, 2018
Take a slightly-snarky narrator somewhat reminiscent of Lemony Snicket. Add the wittiest trouble-makers-with-hearts-of-gold since Fred and George Weasley. Coat liberally with a large sack of assorted wordplay, puns, literary references and hilariously appropriate character names. Finish with intrigue, adventure and Yiddish-speaking kobolds. If you've done it right, you'll end up with this delightful story that will entertain everyone from precocious kids to adults sharp enough to catch the many sly references. I'm hoping that this isn't the last we hear of Casper and Jasper.
May 24, 2018
A spirited romp sure to be enjoyed by young readers with a sharp sense of humor and the adults in their lives alike, Casper and Jasper and The Terrible Tyrant is a page-turner in the grand tradition of young adult adventure literature. Tilia Klebenov Jacobs skillfully threads the needle of combining thrilling action, suspense, humor, and lively characters into a memorable story that readers will want to enjoy many times.
The young heroes are suitably heroic: they face daunting challenges with a marvelous spirit, and the reader is rewarded for going through each nail-biting danger with them. The villains are a sharp blend of banal and ordinary dull evil and cinematic super-evil, and I can say without giving anything away that the reader will be on edge waiting to see what happens next as heroes and villains match wits and more throughout the book.
So get ready to enjoy a ride in the Lands of Yonder with Casper, Jasper, the forces of Count Scream, and a cast of characters and adventures you'll be happy to meet.
The young heroes are suitably heroic: they face daunting challenges with a marvelous spirit, and the reader is rewarded for going through each nail-biting danger with them. The villains are a sharp blend of banal and ordinary dull evil and cinematic super-evil, and I can say without giving anything away that the reader will be on edge waiting to see what happens next as heroes and villains match wits and more throughout the book.
So get ready to enjoy a ride in the Lands of Yonder with Casper, Jasper, the forces of Count Scream, and a cast of characters and adventures you'll be happy to meet.
June 12, 2018
This middle grade fantasy novel is an imaginative tour de force with a serious underpinning. The story begins when Kale and Adele Brandiwygn are arrested by the Secret Police of the evil Count Wilhelm Scream for subversive activities against his repressive rule over the Lands of Yonder. In order to save their six-month old twin boys, the Brandiwygns throw the babies into the crowd, where they are caught by a couple that very much wants children. From there, the tale moves along at a lively pace, thanks to the narrator, whose voice is that of a friendly, witty grown-up, ever-ready to explain a word, concept, or situation in a way that kids can relate to. As a former educator, this was an aspect of the book I especially appreciated. For example, in explaining how Kale, Adele and the other prisoners managed to endure twelve years of confinement, the narrator notes that time moves differently for children and adults, and that for the prisoners “long years of imprisonment became a series of days punctuated by tiny, gleeful moments snatched from their overseers.”
As one might expect from a fantasy novel, there are werewolves, dragons, and trolls, but the author has added some unique creations of her own in the form of carnivorous marshmallows, a group of like-minded vines with a social obligation (the Ivy League), and the Kobolds, tiny ice-loving folk. My favorite, though, is the Fidelius Bird, a beautiful green and gold creature that only sings for pure joy, and whose melodic song has the power to help listeners transcend their circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Similarly, in the course of the story the Brandiwygn twins grow into twelve-year-olds with the verbal chops to talk themselves out of almost any dicey situation—a necessary skill when they find out that their biological parents are being held captive by Count Scream and set out to rescue them. Casper’s and Jasper’s stories raise issues of adoption and the search for self-identity. Both their exploits and those of their parents demonstrate the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity. These are just some of the themes explored in a book that combines high adventure with humor.
As one might expect from a fantasy novel, there are werewolves, dragons, and trolls, but the author has added some unique creations of her own in the form of carnivorous marshmallows, a group of like-minded vines with a social obligation (the Ivy League), and the Kobolds, tiny ice-loving folk. My favorite, though, is the Fidelius Bird, a beautiful green and gold creature that only sings for pure joy, and whose melodic song has the power to help listeners transcend their circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Similarly, in the course of the story the Brandiwygn twins grow into twelve-year-olds with the verbal chops to talk themselves out of almost any dicey situation—a necessary skill when they find out that their biological parents are being held captive by Count Scream and set out to rescue them. Casper’s and Jasper’s stories raise issues of adoption and the search for self-identity. Both their exploits and those of their parents demonstrate the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity. These are just some of the themes explored in a book that combines high adventure with humor.
August 11, 2018
I got this to read to my 6yo but quickly realized the language and pacing were beyond him. My 9yo enjoyed it immensely though and begged me to read more each night.
It was long, it did in fact take me two months of split custody, bedtime reading to make it through this book. But that 9yo has such a good memory she was always able to remind me what was going on and piece things together.
I did not enjoy the book as much as the 9yo though. The dialog was snappy and sometimes I didn't enjoy reading that out loud. I also found the small characters (the Ivy's for example) too much. The plot sometimes bogged down like a serial and I just wanted it to move along.
I'm giving the book four stars as a split between my three and my 9yo's five.
It was long, it did in fact take me two months of split custody, bedtime reading to make it through this book. But that 9yo has such a good memory she was always able to remind me what was going on and piece things together.
I did not enjoy the book as much as the 9yo though. The dialog was snappy and sometimes I didn't enjoy reading that out loud. I also found the small characters (the Ivy's for example) too much. The plot sometimes bogged down like a serial and I just wanted it to move along.
I'm giving the book four stars as a split between my three and my 9yo's five.
May 2, 2018
I went into this adventure looking forward to Tilia's characteristic wit, and was well rewarded! Her clever prose and engaging style are on full display throughout, and make for a well-crafted page turner from start to finish.
The story itself is an optimistic adventure with an ensemble cast. It's silly and lighthearted when that's what's fun, and takes itself seriously when it needs to. It's imaginative in its world setting and fantasy elements, and takes the time to develop characters you really feel for.
This is a book you can get something out of as a child or as an adult. If you're looking a refreshing and fun read, I highly recommend it!
The story itself is an optimistic adventure with an ensemble cast. It's silly and lighthearted when that's what's fun, and takes itself seriously when it needs to. It's imaginative in its world setting and fantasy elements, and takes the time to develop characters you really feel for.
This is a book you can get something out of as a child or as an adult. If you're looking a refreshing and fun read, I highly recommend it!
May 3, 2018
Full Disclosure: I am the author’s husband. This review is, however, neither seen nor edited by Tilia prior to submission. All thoughts contained herein are my own.
The primary story here is that the titular protagonists learn that their parents are not dead, as they had been led to believe, but rather are prisoners of the nefarious Count Wilhelm Scream. Upon learning this, the boys very soon set out from their adoptive home on an adventure to rescue their parents. Along the way they several times narrowly escape death, they meet a variety of new acquaintances from pop stars to trolls, and they encounter new flora and fauna such as carnivorous marshmallows and a fidelius bird. In the meantime, their father Kale who is working in the mines, and their mother Adele who is working in the mill have for years been preparing for rebellion, and the reader is taken on their journey as well.
This Young Adult novel has a breezy yet serious feel. Jacobs has struck the right tone for a YA novel. There are serious situations, and the heroes are in genuine danger, but there is a lightness to the narration, and the situations and character names are sufficiently silly as to keep the reader smirking throughout. We feel confident that the wise-cracking boys will be able to get themselves out of most any jam, and their imprisoned parents are sufficiently clever that we know they can manage themselves in most any situation.
The heroes are all likeable. They are nice without being cloying, smart without being condescending. Whereas the villains are more of a mixed bag. Some, like the mill overseer, the nurse, and the captain of the secret police are horrible people, but Guthrum the troll is just fun to be around.
I have read this book several times now (twice aloud), and it is always a joy. I think it will be enjoyable for both teens and adults.
The primary story here is that the titular protagonists learn that their parents are not dead, as they had been led to believe, but rather are prisoners of the nefarious Count Wilhelm Scream. Upon learning this, the boys very soon set out from their adoptive home on an adventure to rescue their parents. Along the way they several times narrowly escape death, they meet a variety of new acquaintances from pop stars to trolls, and they encounter new flora and fauna such as carnivorous marshmallows and a fidelius bird. In the meantime, their father Kale who is working in the mines, and their mother Adele who is working in the mill have for years been preparing for rebellion, and the reader is taken on their journey as well.
This Young Adult novel has a breezy yet serious feel. Jacobs has struck the right tone for a YA novel. There are serious situations, and the heroes are in genuine danger, but there is a lightness to the narration, and the situations and character names are sufficiently silly as to keep the reader smirking throughout. We feel confident that the wise-cracking boys will be able to get themselves out of most any jam, and their imprisoned parents are sufficiently clever that we know they can manage themselves in most any situation.
The heroes are all likeable. They are nice without being cloying, smart without being condescending. Whereas the villains are more of a mixed bag. Some, like the mill overseer, the nurse, and the captain of the secret police are horrible people, but Guthrum the troll is just fun to be around.
I have read this book several times now (twice aloud), and it is always a joy. I think it will be enjoyable for both teens and adults.
June 15, 2018
Great book! My grandchildren will love it!
July 20, 2018
Casper and Jasper are two young boys whose moxie and wit make what could be a terribly scary story into a funny and adventurous one!
Author Tilia Klebenov Jacobs weaves a fun adventure full of trolls, villains, kobolds, guards, heroes, love, mythical birds, talking werewolves, an evil ice princess and a terrible count. This is a great book to read. It will take children into an exciting adventure and will keep their imaginations running wild with mythical creatures.
Though I am unsure if it is young enough for an 8 year old, it is definitely going to be loved by 10 - 13 year olds! Jacobs includes funny definitions for words that are complex and explains actions in a way that are easy to imagine. She also gives the star characters, Casper and Jasper, some terrific one-liners that will make kids and adults laugh out loud. And it highlights just how important it is for kids to "properly raise their parents."
When a scene in the story starts to become too scary, Jacobs makes sure to break up the storyline with humor. This would be a fun read for kids at bedtime, especially if parents are good at creating different voices for characters.
Book Cover
This is a great illustration to put on the cover. It represents the story well! Besides the two boys and the troll, the story, just like the cover, is colorful and dark at the same time.
Author Tilia Klebenov Jacobs weaves a fun adventure full of trolls, villains, kobolds, guards, heroes, love, mythical birds, talking werewolves, an evil ice princess and a terrible count. This is a great book to read. It will take children into an exciting adventure and will keep their imaginations running wild with mythical creatures.
Though I am unsure if it is young enough for an 8 year old, it is definitely going to be loved by 10 - 13 year olds! Jacobs includes funny definitions for words that are complex and explains actions in a way that are easy to imagine. She also gives the star characters, Casper and Jasper, some terrific one-liners that will make kids and adults laugh out loud. And it highlights just how important it is for kids to "properly raise their parents."
When a scene in the story starts to become too scary, Jacobs makes sure to break up the storyline with humor. This would be a fun read for kids at bedtime, especially if parents are good at creating different voices for characters.
Book Cover
This is a great illustration to put on the cover. It represents the story well! Besides the two boys and the troll, the story, just like the cover, is colorful and dark at the same time.
December 18, 2018
What a wild ride! The book's narration is really sarcastic and slightly snarky. You definitely get a sense of the narrator being on Casper and Jesper's side. Immediately, you know who the villain is and you follow the characters in overthrowing the tyrant. I would say suspend your beliefs for this book and you'll have a fun time. It's full of witty dialogue, puns, wordplay, and two of the most mischevious twins you'll meet. I swear they were possessed by the spirit of Fred and George Weasley.
I think some younger children may not appreciate some of the puns, but they will still love the silly antics and characters. You have trolls, little blue Keebler elf-like creatures, carnivorous marshmallow plants, magical birds, and an epic journey. There are also nice illustrations sprinkled through the book. This book reminded me of the whimsical fantasy books like Ella Enchanted that I absolutely loved when I was younger. I've also seen this compared to the A Series of Unfortunate Events books. I had a great time reading this book. I highly recommend if you like reading younger middle grade books.
***Thank you to NetGalley and Linden Tree Press for for giving me a digital galley of the book in exchange for my honest review.***
I think some younger children may not appreciate some of the puns, but they will still love the silly antics and characters. You have trolls, little blue Keebler elf-like creatures, carnivorous marshmallow plants, magical birds, and an epic journey. There are also nice illustrations sprinkled through the book. This book reminded me of the whimsical fantasy books like Ella Enchanted that I absolutely loved when I was younger. I've also seen this compared to the A Series of Unfortunate Events books. I had a great time reading this book. I highly recommend if you like reading younger middle grade books.
***Thank you to NetGalley and Linden Tree Press for for giving me a digital galley of the book in exchange for my honest review.***
July 9, 2018
My name is Casper, and my twin brother Jasper and I were literally thrown into a crowd of people when we were only six months old. Of course, it wasn't until now that we learned our real parents have been slaving away as prisoners all these years. We don't even know what they look like. Jasper and I have never been known as rule-followers (just ask our teachers), so any sensible person could have predicted we'd run away to rescue our parents. I must admit I was a little uncomfortable about being eaten by werewolves and drowning in the swamp, but the giant troll named Guthrum the Sinister came in pretty handy. I'm sorry we tricked him into burying "magic" yarn, but desperate times called for creative thinking. I'm not sure how we'll rescue our parents and mess up the count's plans for the deadly black ice, but we'll think of something.
Some readers might not enjoy the word play in the book, but I found it amusing. Younger readers will probably miss the references to old pop culture. The twins had a special bond, and their teamwork was formidable. They used language as a weapon or tool, as they confused and manipulated people they met. They managed to get past Guthrum by bribing him with yarn, and they later escaped from the same troll by using their words. Guthrum was an endearing character, since he was sincere and only wanted to do his best. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where all of the antagonists are so simple and gullible. The only one with an actual sense of evil logic was the "princess". She was a poor, needy girl who managed to become Count Wilhelm Scream's most powerful confidante using confusion and trickery. She was as ruthless as the count, as they both enjoyed inflicting pain on others. The plot jumped around to several settings, which I don't enjoy, but the imprisoned parents displayed the same magical tongues as their sons. They were able to persuade the guards into making the prison arrangements more bearable for their fellow inmates. The author left some unfinished business after the climax, but everything was resolved in the end.
Some readers might not enjoy the word play in the book, but I found it amusing. Younger readers will probably miss the references to old pop culture. The twins had a special bond, and their teamwork was formidable. They used language as a weapon or tool, as they confused and manipulated people they met. They managed to get past Guthrum by bribing him with yarn, and they later escaped from the same troll by using their words. Guthrum was an endearing character, since he was sincere and only wanted to do his best. I'm not sure I've ever read a book where all of the antagonists are so simple and gullible. The only one with an actual sense of evil logic was the "princess". She was a poor, needy girl who managed to become Count Wilhelm Scream's most powerful confidante using confusion and trickery. She was as ruthless as the count, as they both enjoyed inflicting pain on others. The plot jumped around to several settings, which I don't enjoy, but the imprisoned parents displayed the same magical tongues as their sons. They were able to persuade the guards into making the prison arrangements more bearable for their fellow inmates. The author left some unfinished business after the climax, but everything was resolved in the end.
June 2, 2018
I received this Wonderful tale as an ARC thanks to Net Galley!
And what a tale it was!
This story was about the adventures twins Casper and Jasper as they grow up, find love in friendship, family, overthrow a corrupt government and so much more!
this tale is full of wonder, magic, love, trolls, dragons, dangerous swamps, magical birds, and a girl of sorts named Bunny!
At first I thought this book was slow and confusing and not at all about the twins so much. But then it started to come together in the best possible way and I fell in Love and could'nt put the book down until the very end!
and the narrator so funny and sassy and dark!
this story was A series of unfortunate events meets princess bride meets Lord of the rings! It was every childhood story I loved wrapped into one fantastic tale!
And what a tale it was!
This story was about the adventures twins Casper and Jasper as they grow up, find love in friendship, family, overthrow a corrupt government and so much more!
this tale is full of wonder, magic, love, trolls, dragons, dangerous swamps, magical birds, and a girl of sorts named Bunny!
At first I thought this book was slow and confusing and not at all about the twins so much. But then it started to come together in the best possible way and I fell in Love and could'nt put the book down until the very end!
and the narrator so funny and sassy and dark!
this story was A series of unfortunate events meets princess bride meets Lord of the rings! It was every childhood story I loved wrapped into one fantastic tale!
November 20, 2018
Count Scream has taken over the lands of Yonder which includes Middlemost where Jasper and Casper are living with their birth parents. They are twins. When their parents are caught in their home trying to overthrow Count Scream, they are arrested. To save their babies, they throw the twins into the audience of people watching them being taken away. Count Scream finds them guilty and sentences them to work in his factories. Life is good for the twins with their new parents until they discover that they were “adopted.” The twins decide to find their “real” parents. Will Jasper and Casper find their parents?
The author writes a tale that made me think of how a person can rule and ruin a country. However I enjoyed how the parents scheme under Count Screams’s nose to escape from the factories. The twins have quite an adventure fighting trolls, escaping from Count Scream’s special police, man-eating marshmallows, and other monsters. It is an enjoyable tale and yet educational without one realizing it.
Disclaimer:I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly mine own.
The author writes a tale that made me think of how a person can rule and ruin a country. However I enjoyed how the parents scheme under Count Screams’s nose to escape from the factories. The twins have quite an adventure fighting trolls, escaping from Count Scream’s special police, man-eating marshmallows, and other monsters. It is an enjoyable tale and yet educational without one realizing it.
Disclaimer:I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly mine own.
June 13, 2018
I truly enjoyed reading this story. It developed quickly and kept my attention throughout. I felt like the characters were well written and I got to know them. I recommend this to children, teens and adults that enjoy juvenile fiction.
I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
August 9, 2018
Think this is a very witty book and love the banter and play between characters. Would recommend to my students who understand wit and sarcasm as middle schoolers. Very cute tale.
January 2, 2019
Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant is a charming, truly unique tale that follows the delightful and daring escapades of a family separated by a cruel ruler. As heartwarming as it is funny, this story will have you rooting for Casper and Jasper as they search for family and freedom.
January 29, 2019
This book is amazing— couldn’t put down
September 9, 2020
Great YA read!
I read this with my kids, and we all enjoyed the story! Perfect for those who like some adventure, and a story that has not been done time and time again! Perfect for fall reading!
I read this with my kids, and we all enjoyed the story! Perfect for those who like some adventure, and a story that has not been done time and time again! Perfect for fall reading!
January 19, 2020
CASPER AND JASPER AND THE TERRIBLE TYRANT is an easy to read , witty and hugely entertaining novel for kids and adults with a kid inside of them. It will appeal to readers of all ages. I look forward to reading it to my Grandsons .
October 30, 2018
Humorous juvenile/MG fantasy read that has enough comic relief to satisfy teens. The characters are quirky with carnivorous marshmallows headlining. A bit of violence targets upper level teens more.
December 22, 2019
Wonderful book! Read it aloud to my 5th grade students. They loved the characters, story, and at times they literally laughed out loud. Creative, adventurous, and a crowd pleaser!
October 17, 2018
Quite a long ago I got Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs. This book is another one of the groups where I requested far too many. The book was published on June 1st, 2018.
The book follows Casper and Jasper. They are in a fantasy world where there is everything from orcs to kobolds to werewolves to carnivorous marshmallows. On the day they were born though, a ruthless and terrible tyrant appeared and took over the land under an oppressive and evil rule. Casper and Jasper's parents are missing, but have been since they were six months old. During that time, they have been raised by the Zuckerman family. While everybody else is afraid to face the tyrant, the two boys decide to find their missing parents which are less than likely still held by the tyrant. Throughout this book, it tells of their journey trying to track down their parents and trying to take down an unstoppable tyrant.
This is a comedy book and does really well at it. There were parts where I had full on belly laughs. The book was very funny and very well written. Every page I read felt like a Roald Dahl page. The book was written in just that way. This book felt at the same time a book for young kids and for almost any age. I feel like this would be the perfect book for either a teacher to read to his/her class or for a parent to read to a child before bed, or really for any kid. Probably even up to 7th or 8th grade. Maybe even high school for some who just like a good story. Really, this is a good read for anyone, especially if it is a fun summer read. It is a really funny book and definitely a worthwhile read.
The book follows Casper and Jasper. They are in a fantasy world where there is everything from orcs to kobolds to werewolves to carnivorous marshmallows. On the day they were born though, a ruthless and terrible tyrant appeared and took over the land under an oppressive and evil rule. Casper and Jasper's parents are missing, but have been since they were six months old. During that time, they have been raised by the Zuckerman family. While everybody else is afraid to face the tyrant, the two boys decide to find their missing parents which are less than likely still held by the tyrant. Throughout this book, it tells of their journey trying to track down their parents and trying to take down an unstoppable tyrant.
This is a comedy book and does really well at it. There were parts where I had full on belly laughs. The book was very funny and very well written. Every page I read felt like a Roald Dahl page. The book was written in just that way. This book felt at the same time a book for young kids and for almost any age. I feel like this would be the perfect book for either a teacher to read to his/her class or for a parent to read to a child before bed, or really for any kid. Probably even up to 7th or 8th grade. Maybe even high school for some who just like a good story. Really, this is a good read for anyone, especially if it is a fun summer read. It is a really funny book and definitely a worthwhile read.
December 15, 2019
Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs with illustrations by Matt Tames is Linden Tree Press is a story with villians and the heroes who battle them. There are trolls, twins and a princess included. It is written for teens and young adults in the category of science fiction and fantasy as well as action and adventure. I gave it four stars.
It is set in the Lands of Yonder which had been a happy village before Count Wilhelm Scream established himself as a dictator. It was now filled with grumbling, unhappy people who did not like the changes.
Kate and Adelet were teachers who resented having to teach Count Wilhelms Scream's version of history. They were having a meeting to fight for truth and using the twin's six-month birthday as a cover for it. They hired one of their students to babysit.
"Her name was Prissy, and she was a lump of a girl, all long, dark hair and sullen eyes, who lived in a local orphanage called Kinderdump." The twins were identical so had bracelets marked with a C, and the other with a J.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley and Linden Tree Press. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Casper-Jasper-...
It is set in the Lands of Yonder which had been a happy village before Count Wilhelm Scream established himself as a dictator. It was now filled with grumbling, unhappy people who did not like the changes.
Kate and Adelet were teachers who resented having to teach Count Wilhelms Scream's version of history. They were having a meeting to fight for truth and using the twin's six-month birthday as a cover for it. They hired one of their students to babysit.
"Her name was Prissy, and she was a lump of a girl, all long, dark hair and sullen eyes, who lived in a local orphanage called Kinderdump." The twins were identical so had bracelets marked with a C, and the other with a J.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley and Linden Tree Press. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Casper-Jasper-...
May 29, 2018
Fast-talking twins Casper and Jasper discover that their parents, long believed dead, are in fact rebels being held by the evil Count Wilhelm Scream. Determined to rescue their mother and father, the boys find themselves battling werewolves, trolls, and carnivorous marshmallows. Will the twins’ loyalty and quick wits be enough to save their parents--and themselves?
Full disclosure: I am the author. But I do genuinely think people will enjoy getting to know these boys and the whimsical but unpredictable world they live in.
My first two novels were about crime, and about the challenges of putting your life back together in the aftermath of a crime. By contrast, Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant came to be because I wanted to write something my kids were allowed to read. In other words, my first two books were for adults; this one is for everyone.
Enjoy!
Full disclosure: I am the author. But I do genuinely think people will enjoy getting to know these boys and the whimsical but unpredictable world they live in.
My first two novels were about crime, and about the challenges of putting your life back together in the aftermath of a crime. By contrast, Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant came to be because I wanted to write something my kids were allowed to read. In other words, my first two books were for adults; this one is for everyone.
Enjoy!
July 25, 2018
This was a fun story to read! I enjoyed the trip through the world that the author built. I look forward to more by this author.
Want to read
March 1, 2020Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant was pretty good, a quick read and attention grabbing. Tilia Klebenov Jacobs brought together a wonderful group of characters that kept you guessing.
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June 24, 2018
When the wicked Count Wilhelm Scream takes over the land, rebels Adel and Kale are separated from their infant children. Unaware of their parent's fate, Casper and Jasper decide to find out more about the family who left them behind, relying on their gift of gab and the icy cold trail that points toward the count's cruel prison camps.
With lively humor, Casper and Jasper builds a fantasy world with cruel creatures, magical races, and wily wildlife. While perilous themes such as enslavement and tyrannical rulers are present, the overall tone of the story remains largely upbeat and low tension, good for younger and more sensitive readers who might wish to avoid the crueler potential of those elements.
While this was a fun read, I was mildly disappointed by the overall story. Considering that the title is Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant the story not actually about Casper and Jasper. It's about their parents and the world building. While parts were certainly humorous and witty, I didn't think the use of asides from the narrator were used effectively, which is a shame because I generally enjoy that style. Overall, good but not great. I might look for future works from the author to see if they improve.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and comments I share about this book are my own.
With lively humor, Casper and Jasper builds a fantasy world with cruel creatures, magical races, and wily wildlife. While perilous themes such as enslavement and tyrannical rulers are present, the overall tone of the story remains largely upbeat and low tension, good for younger and more sensitive readers who might wish to avoid the crueler potential of those elements.
While this was a fun read, I was mildly disappointed by the overall story. Considering that the title is Casper and Jasper and the Terrible Tyrant the story not actually about Casper and Jasper. It's about their parents and the world building. While parts were certainly humorous and witty, I didn't think the use of asides from the narrator were used effectively, which is a shame because I generally enjoy that style. Overall, good but not great. I might look for future works from the author to see if they improve.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and comments I share about this book are my own.
November 6, 2019
Sometimes you find an epic book, a read that just fits. This book did that for me. It has super great names. Count Scream is the villain of this tale. Casper and Jasper are brothers and the heroes of this story. I loved them! This book was just fantastic. Evil is fought with brains, love, and bravery. I could read it again! It's on par with many of the now-famous movies that have been taken from superior books.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
November 26, 2019
Unimpressed. It's not like the first fantasy that focuses more on world building than characters, equates ugly with evil, or uses existing languages to other the creatures, but it's tiring. This one felt very long and wordy, and the endless banter between Casper and jasper was oddly exhausting. (It makes you a little glad that Fred and George were used sparingly in Harry Potter, as fun as they were.)
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